Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract This study examined the acute hormonal and myokine responses to traditional and circuit resistance training in young males with distinct BMI-based groups. Twenty sedentary men aged 20–30 years were classified as high-BMI (BMI >29.9) or low-BMI (BMI <18.5). Each participant completed both traditional resistance training (TRT) and circuit resistance training (CRT) protocols in a crossover design, with a one-week washout period. Sessions included multi-joint upper and lower body exercises at comparable intensities. Blood samples were taken immediately before and after each session. Serum levels of testosterone, cortisol, myostatin, and follistatin were assessed using ELISA kits. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare within- and between-group changes across time and training modality. Baseline cortisol levels were significantly higher in low-BMI individuals (P=0.037), while testosterone levels showed no initial difference between groups (P>0.05). Post-TRT, testosterone levels increased significantly in high-BMI individuals compared to low-BMI individuals (P=0.017), with both training types elevating testosterone and cortisol across all participants (P<0.05). CRT led to a significant reduction in myostatin and increase in follistatin in high-BMI individuals (P<0.05), while only follistatin increased significantly in low-BMI individuals after TRT (P<0.05). These results suggest that CRT promotes superior anabolic signaling in high-BMI individuals, while TRT is more effective at enhancing testosterone response. Myokine and hormonal responses appear to be body-type-dependent and training-modality-specific. Practitioners designing hypertrophy-focused programs should tailor training protocols to the athlete’s BMI-based group to optimize muscle adaptation and endocrine outcomes. And also, trainers should individualize hypertrophy programs based on body composition to optimize both hormonal responses and muscle adaptation.

Abstract Epidemiological evidence indicates that obesity is associated with accelerated prostate cancer progression and elevated mortality rates. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms linking obesity to prostate cancer pathogenesis remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of six weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training combined with cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation on prostate protein kinase B (Akt) gene expression in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male rats. Forty male Wistar rats (240 ± 20 g) were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: healthy control, HFD, HFD+exercise, HFD+CBD, HFD+exercise and CBD (n=8 per group). CBD was administered via oral gavage at 100 mg/kg, five days per week for six weeks. The aerobic exercise protocol consisted of treadmill running at progressive intensities, ranging from 15 m/min for 30 min to 27 m/min for 60 min, five days per week for six weeks. Following the intervention, prostate tissue was extracted for quantitative analysis of Akt gene expression. Statistical analysis revealed that aerobic exercise significantly modulated Akt gene expression (P=0.015). Similarly, CBD administration exerted a significant effect on Akt expression (P=0.004). However, no significant interactive effect was observed between aerobic exercise and CBD (P=0.068). These findings suggest that both aerobic exercise and CBD independently influence Akt signaling pathways, potentially through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, which may contribute to prostate cancer prevention. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular interactions involved.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of 4-week Zingiber officinale (ginger) supplementation (1 g/day) on serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) dynamics and fatigue perception in obese women (BMI >30 kg/m²; n=50) following acute eccentric and concentric exercise. Participants were stratified by VO₂max and allocated to: ginger+eccentric (G+E), ginger+concentric (G+C), placebo+eccentric (P+E), placebo+concentric (P+C), or control (no intervention). Following supplementation, participants completed treadmill-based eccentric (-10% to -15% incline) or concentric (+10% to +15% incline) protocols to volitional exhaustion. Fasted venous blood samples quantified serum LDH; fatigue was assessed via Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). ANCOVA with baseline adjustment revealed: Significant LDH elevation post-exercise (η²=0.62, P<0.001), with eccentric > concentric (Δ28.3±6.2 vs. Δ18.5±5.9 U/L; P=0.008). Ginger attenuated LDH vs. placebo (mean reduction: -21.8 U/L, 95% CI: -30.1 to -13.5; P<0.001, η²=0.42), particularly after eccentric exercise (G+E vs. P+E: -24.7 U/L, P=0.002). Non-significant FSS increase overall (η²=0.09, P=0.12), though ginger reduced FSS elevation by 41% vs. placebo (Δ8.7±3.9 vs. Δ14.8±5.2; P=0.07), with strongest attenuation in G+E (-9.3 units; P=0.052). Four-week ginger supplementation significantly mitigates exercise-induced LDH release in obese women, indicating cytoprotective effects against muscular stress. While fatigue modulation was statistically non-significant, clinically relevant attenuation trends suggest potential ergogenic benefits requiring further investigation.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) elevates thrombotic risk through dysregulated coagulation factors, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibrinogen, driven by visceral adiposity and metabolic dysfunction. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves cardiometabolic health, but its effects on hemostatic markers in MetS remain underexplored. Twenty-four men with MetS (ATP-III criteria; age 44.4 ± 5.4 years, BMI 31.7 ± 2.3 kg·m⁻²) were randomized to HIIT (n=12) or control (n=12). HIIT comprised 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (4 × 4-min intervals at 90% HRmax, interspersed with 3-min active recovery at 70% HRmax). Fasting plasma PAI-1, fibrinogen, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body composition, and lipid profiles were assessed pre/post-intervention. HIIT significantly reduced PAI-1 (−30.7%, p<0.001) and fibrinogen (−21.8%, p<0.001) versus controls. Concurrent improvements occurred in HOMA-IR (−20.6%, p<0.001), body fat (−3.8%, p<0.05), systolic/diastolic BP (−7.5%/−5.2%, p<0.05), LDL-c (−5.6%), triglycerides (−9.4%), and HDL-c (+3.0%; all p<0.05). Control group exhibited no significant changes. HIIT attenuates prothrombotic risk in MetS, evidenced by reductions in PAI-1 and fibrinogen. These hemostatic improvements are mechanistically linked to ameliorated metabolic dysfunction, highlighting HIIT’s role in modulating adipose tissue–vascular cross talk.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of intense endurance training (HIET) combined with egg white and wheat germ supplementation on immune, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary function in endurance runners. In this quasi-experimental study, 24 male endurance runners from Saqqez City were randomly assigned to either a training + supplement group (n=12) or a training + placebo group (n=12). Both groups underwent 8 weeks of HIET (3 sessions/week, 60 min/session, 70-90% heart rate reserve). The supplement group consumed 15g egg white powder (75 kcal) and 17.5g wheat germ powder (78 kcal) daily, approximately 2 hours before training. The placebo group received starch powder. Cardiopulmonary function (VO2max, FEV1), cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, left ventricular stroke volume - LVSV), and inflammatory markers (IL-6) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA (SPSS v26, α=0.05), controlling for baseline values. Significant improvements were observed in the supplement group compared to the placebo group for VO2max (F(1,21)=29.482, p<0.001, η²=0.510) and FEV1 (F(1,21)=60.308, p<0.001, η²=0.742). IL-6 levels decreased significantly in the supplement group relative to the placebo group, which showed an increase (F(1,21)=7.848, p=0.011, η²=0.272). No significant between-group differences were found for NT-proBNP (F(1,21)=3.627, p=0.071, η²=0.147) or LVSV (F(1,21)=0.061, p=0.807, η²=0.003). Eight weeks of HIET combined with egg white and wheat germ supplementation significantly enhanced maximal oxygen consumption and expiratory function while attenuating exercise-induced inflammation in endurance runners, compared to HIET alone. These findings suggest potential benefits of this supplement combination for improving cardiopulmonary performance and modulating immune responses during intense endurance training.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance, continuous endurance, and interval endurance training on Dectin-1 and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 levels in overweight women. A total of 40 women, aged between 25 and 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 30 kg/m², voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: resistance training (n = 10), continuous endurance training (n = 10), interval endurance training (n = 10), and a non-training control group (n = 10). The intervention consisted of three exercise sessions per week over an eight-week period, following structured and group-specific training protocols. Results indicated that all three exercise modalities—resistance, continuous endurance, and interval training— significantly altered Dectin-1 and GLP-1 levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Among the training groups, continuous endurance training elicited the greatest reduction in Dectin-1 levels, followed by interval training and then resistance training. However, post hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between resistance and interval training groups for either biomarker. Similarly, GLP-1 levels increased most prominently in the continuous endurance group, followed by the interval and resistance training groups, again with no significant difference between the latter two. In summary, the findings suggest that all three forms of exercise contributed to favorable changes in Dectin-1 and GLP-1 among overweight women. Nonetheless, the magnitude of these changes appears to be influenced by the type and possibly the intensity of the training stimulus, with continuous endurance training demonstrating the most pronounced effects.

Abstract Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ by releasing myokines—cytokines and peptides that mediate systemic physiological adaptations. This review synthesizes evidence establishing mechanical stretching (active/passive) as a potent mechanotransductive stimulus for myokine secretion. Key pathways include integrin-mediated signaling, stretch-activated ion channels (Piezo/TRP), and mechanosensitive transcriptional regulators (YAP/TAZ), which activate MAPK, calcium-dependent kinases, and other cascades to modulate myokine gene expression. We highlight stretch-responsive myokines (IL-6, irisin, myostatin, BDNF, SPARC) and their roles in metabolism, tissue repair, and inflammation. Clinical implications for aging, metabolic disease, and rehabilitation are discussed, emphasizing how targeted stretching protocols may harness myokine-mediated benefits in mobility-limited populations. Future research directions include optimizing stretch "dosing" and elucidating tissue-specific myokine actions.

Abstract Dear Editor-in-Chief
While the critical role of macronutrients and established myokines (e.g., BDNF, Irisin) in muscle-brain communication during exercise is increasingly recognized, a significant and underexplored frontier lies in the specific, active modulation of this bidirectional crosstalk by essential micronutrients. This letter proposes a novel conceptual framework: that certain micronutrients act not merely as metabolic co-factors, but as dynamic orchestrators or gatekeepers of the signaling pathways fundamental to muscle-brain communication in response to acute and chronic exercise.
Beyond their classical roles in energy metabolism or antioxidant defense within each organ, compelling emerging evidence suggests specific micronutrients directly influence the production, release, stability, and reception of key signaling molecules traversing the muscle-brain axis: Vitamin D receptors (VDR) are expressed in both skeletal muscle and brain regions crucial for motor control and cognition. Recent work indicates vitamin D sufficiency potentiates exercise-induced BDNF release from muscle and brain, enhances sensitivity to neuroprotective myokines like Irisin, and may regulate muscle-derived kynurenine metabolism, shifting it away from neurotoxic metabolites (e.g., quinolinic acid) towards neuroprotective pathways (Pan et al., 2022). Deficiency may thus disrupt this protective signaling axis.
Certain polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, curcumin) cross the BBB and exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Novel evidence suggests they may protect neuronal receptors involved in sensing muscle-derived signals (e.g., AMPK activation) from exercise-induced oxidative stress, enhancing signal fidelity. Furthermore, they may modulate microglial activation states triggered by muscle-derived inflammatory signals during intense exercise, preventing excessive neuroinflammation (Gao et al., 2024; Gomez-Pinilla & Nguyen, 2012; Wang et al., 2024).
B-vitamins (particularly B6, B9, B12) are essential co-factors in one-carbon metabolism, critically influencing the synthesis of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) known to modulate central fatigue, motivation, and motor output. Exercise alters neurotransmitter turnover. Crucially, B-vitamin status impacts the brain's response to peripherally derived signals like IL-6, which has dual pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective roles depending on context and magnitude (Gomez-Pinilla & Nguyen, 2012; Kato et al., 2024). Optimal B-vitamin levels may be key for interpreting muscle-derived IL-6 as an anti-fatigue signal within the CNS.
Therefore, we propose that specific micronutrients (e.g., Vitamin D, B-vitamins, polyphenols) act as dynamic modulators of the muscle-brain signaling axis during exercise, moving beyond their classical metabolic roles. Understanding this "Micronutrient Crosstalk Matrix" offers novel avenues to optimize exercise benefits for brain health and performance through targeted nutrition.